Goslar to Davos Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive

Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage city at the foot of the Harz Mountains, sits at 255 meters above sea level. Your destination, Davos, lies at 1,560 meters in the Swiss Alps. The 870-kilometer drive traverses Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, crossing the Alps via the Reschen Pass.

The route follows the A7, A8, and A96 through Bavaria, then the Reschenpass (SS40) into Italy's Vinschgau Valley, finally joining the Swiss A13. Average driving time is 8.5 hours without stops, but plan for 10-12 hours to enjoy the scenery.

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Fuel stations are abundant on German autobahns (A7, A8) and Swiss highways. In Germany, expect €1.80/L for petrol; Switzerland CHF 1.60/L. Austria requires a vignette (€9.60 for 10 days). Swiss motorway vignette is CHF 40 (annual). Toll-free: Reschen Pass has no toll, but the A13 in Switzerland requires vignette.

• Recommended fuel stops: Raststätte Allgäu (A7), Raststätte Holzkirchen (A8), and Autohof in Landeck (Austria).
• Special note: Between Goslar and Würzburg, fuel prices are lower near the Austrian border.
• Charge points for EVs: Fast-charging along A8 every 30 km; in Switzerland, Ionity stations near Davos.

Road quality: German autobahns are excellent, but sections near Ulm have construction. Swiss A13 is well-maintained, but narrow in the Schöllenen Gorge. The Reschen Pass (1,504 m) is a two-lane road with sharp curves; check for snow from October to May.

The drive passes through the Harz Mountains, the Allgäu Alps, and the Engadin region. Key natural highlights include the Zugspitze (Germany's highest peak), Lake Constance (Bodensee), and the Reschensee with its iconic church tower.

• UNESCO World Heritage: Goslar old town and Rammelsberg mine; Würzburg Residence; the Benvenuto Cellini fountain in Salzburg (optional detour).
• Off-route gem: The Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a 700-meter chasm with walkways.

Local commerce: In Goslar, buy Harz cheese and wood carvings. In the Vinschgau Valley, sample Vinschgau apples and Schüttelbrot crispbread. Davos offers Swiss chocolate and Laderach chocolate.

Always carry safety vest, warning triangle, and first aid kit (required in Germany, Austria, Switzerland). In winter, snow chains may be mandatory on Reschen Pass. Animal crossings: deer and chamois in the Alps, especially dawn/dusk.

• Family-friendly stops: Legoland Deutschland (Günzburg, near A8), and the Swiss Transport Museum (Lucerne, detour). Parks: Alpamare water park (Pfäffikon, Switzerland).
• Pet-friendly: Many Raststätten have grassy areas; pet-friendly hotels include B&B near Imst (Austria).

Fatigue management: Plan rest every 2 hours. Recommended rest zones: Raststätte Leipheim (A8), Raststätte Weingarten (A7). For a power nap, use rest areas with parking and WC. Hidden off-route spot: The Schwarzsee near Kitzbühel (Austria), a quiet lake for a break.

Weather: Summer 20-30°C; winter -5 to 5°C. The Reschen Pass may be foggy in autumn. Check webcams for Passo di Resia before departure.